Is this just me getting over depression?

Question

I have been on anti-depressants since july 2006. I used to feel down for long periods of time. I attempted suicide a couple of times. Now i pass through extremes and quite quickly. One minuite i am on a high, the next minuite i am really down and contemplating suicide, sometimes something happens which alters my mood drastically other times it just happens. I am always tired and have lost all interest in keeping my house clean. I just want reassurance that this is normal for someone who is meant to of been recovering from depression.

Answer 1

This is normal for all of us. I don't suffer from 'clinical depression' and I would refuse to take pills if I did feel down. However, life is a bit.ch and death is her master, but you can overcome. We all get down, but some of us ie. you and others like you, choose to label it and let it dominate you. Life is a gift so treat it with respect. It is really hard at times, but you may as well see it out - after all, it doesn't last that long really. Try changing your situation as anything is better than topping yourself!

Answer 2

I'm 16 and last year was diagnosed with depression. I would say that it depends how severe your ups and downs are. If you mean "highs" as in you feel normal, then that is good. However, if you are referring to "highs" as almost-too-good or over-the-top happy, then that is bad. That could be bipolar disorder. Also, if you still get really down and so down that you are sometimes contemplating suicide, then I would say the medication you are on isn't working properly. Most people who are prescribed anti-depressants must try several different kinds to find which ones work best. I would go back to your doctor and talk to him or her about these highs and lows and tell him that you still sometimes contemplate suicide. He or she will possibly test you for bipolar depending on your "highs" or else they may try a different kind of anti-depressant. I hope you feel better soon and good luck on recovering. I know it is hard, but I'm sure you'll do great! I did.

Answer 3

Hello there Laura, From what what you are saying I would think that you are still suffering from depression. And that you really need to go back to GP as the symptoms you are describing suggest that either you are bi polar or that your medication either needs adjusting or even changing.

Being tired is a symptom of depression and I empathise with you and feel for your so much as I have been where you are now.

You say you are recovering from depression I hope that does not mean that you have stopped taking your medication as that would put you back to where you first started.

Anyhow I am not going to keep on but will finish by saying to need to go back to see your doctor and tell him how you feel. So that he can assess how you are. Perhaps he can refer you for Cognitive therapy which can help with depression as it may unearth why you are feeling like you do and help you to accept that you may get worse before you get better. Sorry to play the devils advocate here but it is true with depression that often how it is.

I wish you all the very best and try to think positive thoughts and if possible get some support from a CPN Community Psychiatric Nurse. The support they give is invaluable as they are objective rather than a family member who is often subjective you need someone for support and who can listen to what you have to say.without telling you to pull youself together, which what family members are inclined to do and that is not what you need right now.

Nettie UK lass xxx

Answer 4

If you went through a severe depression, you may be relieved to just feel OK again. You might not be happy, but you're grateful that you can get out of bed and go to work.

But that isn't enough. It isn't enough to just feel less miserable. You deserve to feel well again, to feel as good as you once did. If your current treatment isn't allowing that, then you need to improve it. There are many different ways of treating depression -- therapy, medicines, and lifestyle changes -- that can help.

So don't settle for feeling just OK. You and your health care provider need to work together. With some effort and good treatment, you can feel truly well again.

Side Effects from Medications:

Newer antidepressants such as Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Effexor, Cymbalta, and Wellbutrin generally have fewer and less severe side effects than older drugs. The side effects vary depending on the drug but can include:

* Insomnia
* Sleepiness
* Increased anxiety
* Nausea or vomiting
* Diarrhea
* Sexual problems
* Headaches
* Dizziness
* Weight gain or loss
Other more serious side effects are rare but possible. Antidepressants have been linked to an increase in suicidal thinking and behavior in children and adolescents. Talk to your doctor about what symptoms to watch for during your depression recovery.

I got this info from WebMd.com. What I think is if you are still on a roller coaster of emotions is that you are far from recovered. Like it says above, it's not enough to just feel a little better. I have suffered from depression in my life as well. What I suggest to you is to speak with a good therapist that you feel comfortable with about WHY you feel so depressed. Although medication can help you, the problem goes much deeper than just a chemical imbalance in your brain, which is what antidepressants are designed to help with. You may need a different perscription as well. If you value yourself, as I feel you do, or you would not be asking this question, the best thing you can do is talk to someone. I tried several medications through my bout with depression, however, I was never able to fully recover until I sought help from a professional therapist. Only then could I learn to put my baggage behind me and move on to better days. The road to reccovery from depression can be a long one, but it is worth it to take the journey.

Answer 5

You have bipolar disorder. The highs and lows are common in this illness. I have been bipolar for many years and the most important thing i have learned is to control my behaviors and love myself no matter what. Normal what is that ? You do not recover you maintain Always know there are reactions to your actions Stop and take a deep breath before things get out of hand

Answer 6

I agree with going back to see your doc / specialist as getting over this condition can take a very long time. From what you have described it suggests with respect, that you are far from getting over it.

There is no quick fix for many people with depression - I seriously recommend that you continue your treatment of medication & consult / communicate frequently with the doctor who you are under.

My very best wishes...

Answer 7

you REALLY need to go see your Dr - I have been on anti-depressants for a couple of years and have never had extremes like you describe. Once in a while I will feel a little down but it passes. hang in there and good luck to you

Answer 8

No, it is not just you. Everyone has depression at least one part of their life. I had that for a year.
If you realise that there are lots of people who cares about you, who are there to help you, you will easily get rid of it. I am sure that this is the only way. Unknown future, feeling alone makes people feel desparete. However, we are living today and we have people to love and to be loved. And they will be with you to help you. Ask them to help you, share your feelings with them, especially with your family. You will understand that the thing that makes you alive and meaningfull is them, and vice versa. Everybody is lucky, with the things they have and they don't have.
Enjoy your life. There are a lot to taste. Start now.

Answer 9

very normal! the fact you feeling on the up and then come back is classic to how i felt and passing your extremes quickly is proof enough. i suffered for over 20 years and feel fantastic every day no downs at all but tell yourself tomorrow will always be a better day. good luck.

Answer 10

Hiya Chicken,

It sounds like Bipolar to me, of which I have got, so I recognise your symptons. Talk to Doc next time you go and mention BP to him, it is quite common, and a load of peeps dont even know they have it, including me, had it for years just thought I was a moody depressive Be-atch. Email me and we can talk a bit more. I know how you feel and wish you all the very best in your life.